Atiu Island Holiday and Travel Guide

Map of Atiu Island

Atiu Island is similar in formation to Mangaia Island, with a volcanic core and outer ring of fossilised coral cliffs known as makatea. Though the island has a small population of only around 600 people, it has a local tourism association to promote accommodation in Atiu. These include the Kia Orana Bungalows, Atiu Villas, Taparere Lodge, Kopeka Lodge and the Are Manuiri guesthouse.

Some of the main features and activities of Atiu Cook Islands are as follows:

• Like many other parts of the Cook Islands, the people of Atiu strive keep up traditional arts and crafts. Watch out for decorated tapa (bark) cloth called 'anga' and a type of appliqued embroidered quilting called 'tivaivai'.
• Enjoy a reef fishing trip.
• Excellent carving may be found at Araki Carvers or Vaimata Traditional carvings. Learn about this time-honoured craft.
• Learn more about Atiu with an Island Tour or take the Historical Tour.
• Go on the Ana Takitaki Cave Tour, with its large chambers of stalactites and stalagmites, its ancient legend, and see the small swift-like 'kopeki' birds. You may even swim in a pool in the cave by candlelight!
• Visit the sacred Rimarau Burial Cave, with skulls and bones, and ancient artefacts.
• Visit the historic Cook Islands Christian Church church or the Catholic Church, both reflecting on Atiu's missionary past.
• Cook Islands Art: Atiu has a coffee-growing industry. Enjoy the Atiu Coffee Tour and enjoy a well-earned coffee afterwards at the Atiu Fibre Arts Studio.
• Apply for a visit to Takutea, the nearby uninhabited makatea island of 1.2 sq km. A haven for many species of sea-bird including the booby and the tropic bird. Also excellent fishing.